Portal hands over LPW’s new HQ at Widnes Waterfront
Portal Construction has completed a 90,000 sq ft facility at Widnes Waterfront for advanced manufacturing technology firm LPW.
The project, which was developed by DB Symmetry in a joint venture with Halton Council, has reached practical completion, with LPW set to relocate to the site from its current Runcorn headquarters.
LPW will move 70 staff into the new facility, with plans to create more than 120 new jobs at the site. The manufacturing firm agreed a £20m pre-let for the facility in March this year.
Portal Construction worked with AEW Architects, Tier Consulting, C4 Consulting and KGA on the scheme.
B8 Real Estate and CBRE advised DB Symmetry. LPW was represented by Aherne Property Consultants and advised by Zaman Roberts and Black Cat Building Consultancy.
Phil Carroll, chief executive at LPW Technology said: “As a company which specialises in metal additive manufacturing, a tech clean, high specification space was mandatory and a new build was therefore the only option.
“The decision to relocate was a huge leap for our firm but from the outset, we had no doubt that DB Symmetry and Halton could deliver. With the build now complete, we’ll start our fit out in in the coming weeks and will relocate our operations in the New Year.”
Andrew Dickman, director of DB Symmetry, said: “This project is an exemplar of what can be achieved when the private and public sector collaborate.
“By regenerating this site, we have helped to bring a successful and growing company to the borough of Halton and, in doing so, will bring high skilled jobs to the area.”
Leader of Halton Council, Cllr Rob Polhill, added: “We look forward to LPW opening at Venture Fields and creating new jobs.
“This is a very important site for Halton, and the new Mersey Gateway bridge opening very soon will further improve connectivity for sites such as Venture Fields and will spearhead further investment in the borough.”
The wider Widnes Waterfront regeneration project stretches across 11 acres and will include leisure, manufacturing and distribution space.
Leisure occupiers at the site include Reel Cinemas, Superbowl, a Silver Blades ice rink.